ProUI

Developments and decisions during the coming week would have a major bearing in shaping the destiny of the Railways.Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge, in the next few days, has to decide on appointing the new chairman of the Railway Board, hike the fuel adjustment component on freight and decide whether or not to impose FAC and pass the burden to the passengers.The three-month period for which Member Engineering Arunendra Kumar has been given the additional charge of Railway Board chairman, expires at the month end. His services getting regularised on the post is ruled out as the sources point out, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has not cleared his name for elevation. The CVC has reportedly recommended a case against him to the CBI for probe.

The CVC has cleared only two names thus far — Kolkata Metro general manager Radhey Shyam and South Western Railway general manager A.K. Mittal. But the latter’s chances has been hampered by a confidential remark by the previous chairman Vinay Mittal questioning his performance.The four-month-long battle for the post has received yet another twist with Rail Wheel Factory general manager Rajeev Bhargava now throwing his hat in the ring.

Though senior most, Mr. Bhargava was pushed about by the powers that Vinay Mittal was chosen above him for the highest post the last time. He was denied even the post of zonal manager in an obvious bid to deny posting as member of the Railway Board, ignoring orders of the CAT and other judicial rulings.

Mr. Bhargava is now asserting the deemed status of being an open line (field posting as the zonal general manager) officer that the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet had accorded on him while posting as the general manager of the wheel factory.

One has to serve as a zonal manger with two residual years of service to qualify for the top post.

In case Mr. Bhargava’s chances get revived, he would be the only person among the top 10 senior officials to be in the race for the post. The other nine have already got eliminated on one ground or the other.

Mr. Kharge would also be deciding on hiking freight charges to adjust the runaway fuel prices and pass it on to the consignors with effect from October 1. Officials said a five to seven per cent hike was in the offing which would add to the already bothersome inflation. It would also add to the 15 per cent hike in charges that the Railways have imposed citing busy season charges.

But the most crucial decision would be whether or not to pass the rising diesel prices to the passengers as announced in the budget. The 2014 elections have complicated the issue even though there is no gainsaying the fact that financial crunch has pushed the Railways to the edge.

Mr. Kharge meeting with Law Minister Kapil Sibal to hasten the process of setting up the rail tariff authority only underscores the government’s urgency in this direction. A marginal hike of Rs. 15 to Rs. 20 is being proposed by those aiming to keep the accounts tidy.

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) is still confident of getting Reach 3 and 3a opened for commercial operations by November-end.BMRCL Managing Director Pradeep Singh Kharola told The Hindu that all civil works would be completed and technical clearances obtained by November-end. The corporation has also planned operational arrangements wherein about 12 sets of trains would be deployed on the stretch to run at a frequency of 10 minutes.Corporation’s spokesperson B.L. Yashavanth Chavan said the speed certificate from Research, Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) was expected shortly and BMRCL could complete oscillation trials by mid-October. Thereafter, RDSO personnel are expected to conduct the trials by October third week before giving their recommendation to the Ministry of Railways, which will be followed by the statutory inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety.

Under  the leadership of Dr Vijay Kelkar, Janwani recently undertook a detailed study of DMRC’s proposal of Pune Metro along with a team of experts in transportation, railways, infrastructure projects, finance experts, environmental experts etc. The team comprised of

Mr. Rajendra Mahulkar, Civil Engineer
Dr. Ketan Gokhale, Railways
Prof. Ramchandra Gohad, Urban Planner
Mr. Suhas Mantri, Real Estate Developer
Dr. N Karmalkar, Geologist, Pune University
Mr. Shirish Kembhavi, Architect- Urban Designer
Dr. Kiran Kulkarni, Director, Janwani

Ms. Komal Potdar, Project Consultant, Janwani
Ms. Shruti Vaishampayan, Project Consultant, Janwani



In most world cities, metro rails are underground in the congested business districts. It is also noted that in designing metro infrastructure, great cities think in terms of very long term. Aesthetics and functionality are both important for attractive and lively Urban Societies.

After in-depth studies and deliberations about the Metro DPR, Janwani concludes that the metro proposal for the Corridor I (Swargate- PCMC) is agreeable to Janwani since it rightly proposes underground metro in congested stretch. The proposed Corridor II (Vanaz- Ramwadi) of the Metro is completely elevated for the entire 14.925 km according to the DPR. The only suggestion that Janwani has regarding Corridor II is that the stretch of “Vanaz to Yerawada” should be made underground.

To read the report click on the link –  Metro Should Be Underground In Congested Areas_Report.

Shri Arun Firodia, Chairman Kinetic Group, has also expressed his opinions on the metro. He believes that the metro is a necessity for the city. However, according to him,in some stretches like Karve Road and Jangli Maharaj the metro needs to be underground.

MUMBAI: It is time to amend the prescribed compensation in railway accidents, said the Bombay high court while upholding a railway accidents tribunal's order granting Rs 1.20 lakh compensation to a commuter who lost two fingers in an accident at Borivli station.In 2003, Usha Kamdar fell in the gap between the platform and a train while waiting for a train to Miyagam-Karjan on platform no. 4 at the Borivli station. She was seriously injured. Her middle and index fingers of the right hand were amputated and she was under medication for a long time for other injuries.Taking note of her injuries, on July 18, 2005, the tribunal awarded her Rs 1.20 lakh compensation, including Rs 80,000 as treatment cost and Rs 40,000 for pains and sufferings. The tribunal directed 6% interest from the date of the order till realization. In 2006, the railways challenged the "excessive and unreasonable" compensation in the HC.

Dismissing the railways' appeal, the HC proposed the need for amendments to the Railway Accident (Compensation) Rules 1990 under the Railways Act, 1989, which was last amended in November 1997. "More than 15 years have passed without any further amendment as to prescribed quantum of compensation in respect of untoward incidents in working of railway administration," noted Justice A P Bhangale in his September 21 order. The victim had filed a cross appeal saying the compensation awarded was inadequate. The judge noted that the compensation prescribed is restricted to the Rules, "discretion cannot be exercised so as to award compensation beyond the prescribed extent of those Rules".The judge added that in several cases claimants suffer permanent disability that may incapacitate them to work with full capacity and full ability for their livelihood and in cases of deaths, their families lose their bread-earner forever.Upholding the railway accidents claim tribunal's order and finding "no merit" in the railways' appeal, Justice Bhangale "hoped" that the authority concerned will do the needful in this (amending the rules) regard.

The railways administration and the secretary of the railway board may apply their mind to the growing inflation, rising prices of essential commodities and diminishing value of rupee so as to prescribe a reasonable, fair and equitable compensation for claimants/victims of untoward incidents.

The 26th All-India Railway Chess Championship 2013–14 began at the EMD Loco Shed on Gadag Road here on Sunday.The event, which is being hosted by the South Western Railway Sports Association (SWRSA) for the second year in succession, was inaugurated by SWRSA president and South Western Railway chief mechanical engineer Vashishta Johri here on Sunday.Mr. Johri said he was happy some of the noted chess players in the country had made it to the event.He added that 125 chess players representing twelve railway zones and four production units would be participating.

SWRSA honorary general secretary and Chief Traffic Planning Manager N. Srinivas welcomed the gathering.

He said in the previous year’s tournament conducted by the South Western Railway at Mysore, the Integral Coach Factory team won and Western Railway emerged runner up.

Format

For the team championship, six matches would be held and for the individual championship, eight matches would be held in the Swiss League format, the SWRSA president said.

On the inaugural day, South Eastern Railway, South Central Railway, South Western Railway and Central Railway teams won in the first round.

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) is still confident of getting Reach 3 and 3a opened for commercial operations by November-end.BMRCL Managing Director Pradeep Singh Kharola told The Hindu that all civil works would be completed and technical clearances obtained by November-end. The corporation has also planned operational arrangements wherein about 12 sets of trains would be deployed on the stretch to run at a frequency of 10 minutes.Corporation’s spokesperson B.L. Yashavanth Chavan said the speed certificate from Research, Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) was expected shortly and BMRCL could complete oscillation trials by mid-October. Thereafter, RDSO personnel are expected to conduct the trials by October third week before giving their recommendation to the Ministry of Railways, which will be followed by the statutory inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety.

Under  the leadership of Dr Vijay Kelkar, Janwani recently undertook a detailed study of DMRC’s proposal of Pune Metro along with a team of experts in transportation, railways, infrastructure projects, finance experts, environmental experts etc. The team comprised of

Mr. Rajendra Mahulkar, Civil Engineer
Dr. Ketan Gokhale, Railways
Prof. Ramchandra Gohad, Urban Planner
Mr. Suhas Mantri, Real Estate Developer
Dr. N Karmalkar, Geologist, Pune University
Mr. Shirish Kembhavi, Architect- Urban Designer
Dr. Kiran Kulkarni, Director, Janwani

Ms. Komal Potdar, Project Consultant, Janwani
Ms. Shruti Vaishampayan, Project Consultant, Janwani



In most world cities, metro rails are underground in the congested business districts. It is also noted that in designing metro infrastructure, great cities think in terms of very long term. Aesthetics and functionality are both important for attractive and lively Urban Societies.

After in-depth studies and deliberations about the Metro DPR, Janwani concludes that the metro proposal for the Corridor I (Swargate- PCMC) is agreeable to Janwani since it rightly proposes underground metro in congested stretch. The proposed Corridor II (Vanaz- Ramwadi) of the Metro is completely elevated for the entire 14.925 km according to the DPR. The only suggestion that Janwani has regarding Corridor II is that the stretch of “Vanaz to Yerawada” should be made underground.

To read the report click on the link –  Metro Should Be Underground In Congested Areas_Report.

Shri Arun Firodia, Chairman Kinetic Group, has also expressed his opinions on the metro. He believes that the metro is a necessity for the city. However, according to him,in some stretches like Karve Road and Jangli Maharaj the metro needs to be underground.

MUMBAI: It is time to amend the prescribed compensation in railway accidents, said the Bombay high court while upholding a railway accidents tribunal's order granting Rs 1.20 lakh compensation to a commuter who lost two fingers in an accident at Borivli station.In 2003, Usha Kamdar fell in the gap between the platform and a train while waiting for a train to Miyagam-Karjan on platform no. 4 at the Borivli station. She was seriously injured. Her middle and index fingers of the right hand were amputated and she was under medication for a long time for other injuries.Taking note of her injuries, on July 18, 2005, the tribunal awarded her Rs 1.20 lakh compensation, including Rs 80,000 as treatment cost and Rs 40,000 for pains and sufferings. The tribunal directed 6% interest from the date of the order till realization. In 2006, the railways challenged the "excessive and unreasonable" compensation in the HC.

Dismissing the railways' appeal, the HC proposed the need for amendments to the Railway Accident (Compensation) Rules 1990 under the Railways Act, 1989, which was last amended in November 1997. "More than 15 years have passed without any further amendment as to prescribed quantum of compensation in respect of untoward incidents in working of railway administration," noted Justice A P Bhangale in his September 21 order. The victim had filed a cross appeal saying the compensation awarded was inadequate. The judge noted that the compensation prescribed is restricted to the Rules, "discretion cannot be exercised so as to award compensation beyond the prescribed extent of those Rules".The judge added that in several cases claimants suffer permanent disability that may incapacitate them to work with full capacity and full ability for their livelihood and in cases of deaths, their families lose their bread-earner forever.Upholding the railway accidents claim tribunal's order and finding "no merit" in the railways' appeal, Justice Bhangale "hoped" that the authority concerned will do the needful in this (amending the rules) regard.

The railways administration and the secretary of the railway board may apply their mind to the growing inflation, rising prices of essential commodities and diminishing value of rupee so as to prescribe a reasonable, fair and equitable compensation for claimants/victims of untoward incidents.

Coimbatore Railway Struggle Committee has appealed to the Salem Divisional Railway Manager Sujatha Jayaraj to represent to the Railway Board for a commercial stop for the Coimbatore – Rajkot – Coimbatore Express at Mantralayam Road.In a representation, the committee’s office-bearers G.K. Nagaraj and R. Raveendran said Train Number 16613 from Rajkot to Coimbatore leaves Rajkot on Sunday at 5 a.m. and reaches Coimbatore on Tuesdays at 2 a.m.En route, the train stops at Mantralayam Road from 7.57 a.m. to 8.12 a.m. and is treated as a technical stop. Being a technical stop, commuters cannot book tickets from Mantralayam Road.In the opposite direction, Train Number 16614 leaves Coimbatore on Thursdays at 11.45 p.m. and reaches Rajkot on Saturdays at 5 p.m.

The train passes through Mantralayam around 2.30 p.m. on Fridays.

But there is no technical halt for the train at Mantralayam Road.

Devotees of Sri Raghavendra from this region and travelling to Mantralayam Road have two daily trains connections. Train Number 16832 from Kanyakumari to Mumbai Chatrapathi Shivaji Terminal and Train Number 11014 Coimbatore – Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Kurla Express. If the Coimbatore – Rajkot – Coimbatore Express trains are given a two-minute commercial stoppage, it will benefit hundreds of devotees. Rail activist S. Ravi wanted Railways to consider routing this train via Bangalore to provide additional train connectivity for Coimbatore.


Devotees of Sri Raghavendra travelling to Mantralayam Road have two daily trains connections

Bhilwara (Rajasthan) : Congress Party President and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Sunday laid the foundation stone for a Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) coach factory here today, and said that her party was committed to empowering all sections of society, especially the poor, in India. "The Congress Party is the only party which works for the development of all sections of society; we especially support the poor," Gandhi said."The Congress is continually committed to development and progress in the region, so as to enable the people economically and give them progress and development," she added.Saying that the MEMU project would bring development to the district, Gandhi said that the Congress initiative fell in line with its overall project of enabling the youth of the country."The commencement of the Mainline Electric Multiple Unit project will not only help the district flourish economically, but will also provide an opportunity for employment for the youth," Gandhi said. "The Congress Party is committed to development and progress, and to ensure that everyone in the country is empowered," she added.Earlier today, the Congress President laid the foundation stone of refinery and petro-chemical complex at Pachpadra in Rajasthan's Barmer district.The Union Cabinet on Friday approved setting up of a nine million tonne refinery-cum-petrochemical complex by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL's) in Barmer.

The proposed refinery will be a subsidiary of HPCL with its equity of 74 percent to be held by HPCL and 26 percent to be held by the Govt. of Rajasthan.

The cost of the project is estimated at Rs. 37,230 crore. The project cost is proposed to be sourced with a detbt/equity ratio of 1.5:1. Total equity component is Rs.14,892 crore and debt is Rs.22,338 crore. HPCL's equity contribution is Rs.11,020 crore at 74 percent equity and Govt. of Rajasthan's equity contribution is Rs.3,872 crore at 26 percent.

M/s. HPCL has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 14th May, 2013 with Govt. of Rajasthan in this regard. HPCL has subsequently also signed a JV agreement with Govt. of Rajasthan on 11th July, 2013 on these terms for setting up the refinery as a joint venture. The proposed refinery will process 4.5 MMT of Mangala Crude and 4.5 MMT of Arab/other crude(s).

There shall be a direct and indirect economic benefit to the economy of Rajasthan , which shall, besides industrialization, result in substantial increase in income, output, employment and tax earnings of the State. (ANI)